Sambalpur: In a dramatic rescue operation, a woman devotee who got trapped inside a narrow tunnel on Dumuri Hill under Jujumura police limits in Sambalpur district during Saptarshi worship was saved after nearly four hours of effort by Fire Service personnel and police on Wednesday.
The rescued woman has been identified as Sujata Meher (35), a resident of Marangbahal village under Meghapal panchayat within Jujumura police limits.
According to reports, Sujata had gone to participate in the Bhandarghariani and Saptarshi worship on the occasion of Kartik Purnima, when she decided to pass through the ancient tunnel located on Dumuri Hill—a ritual believed by devotees to fulfill wishes if one successfully crosses from one end to the other.
However, while attempting to pass through, Sujata got wedged between stone slabs and tree roots, becoming stuck midway. Panic spread among onlookers as repeated attempts to pull her out failed.
On being informed, teams from the Maneswar Fire Department and Jujumura police rushed to the site and launched a rescue operation. After nearly four hours of sustained effort, Sujata was safely pulled out and immediately shifted by ambulance to Sambalpur for medical treatment.
Locals said that the tunnel is centuries old and surrounded by many legends. Every year on Kartik Purnima, hundreds of devotees visit the spot to offer prayers and attempt to pass through the tunnel as part of a long-standing ritual.
The incident has prompted locals to urge authorities to ensure safety arrangements and proper monitoring during such religious gatherings.
